Multiflora Rose Rosa multiflora

Characteristics

Leaves:  Pinnately compound, alternate, 7-9 small oval leaflets with serrated borders, slick on the upper surface and lighter and hairy on the underside.

Fruit:  The flowers become a hard round ret fruit (called hips), 1/4 inch in size, seeds are angular achenes.

Flowers: Blooms in late spring, numerous white or pink flowers that are about 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches across the flowers, turn into red fruit (hips) about 1/4 inch in size.

Bark:  Green, thorned  vine.

Form: Root crown diameter 8 inches plus, max height is 15 feet.

Habitat:   In old fields, pastures, roadsides, lives in variety of soils and environments, thrives in sunny areas and well drained soil, not present in standing water or extremely dry areas.  

Buds: Information not available. 

Range:  This plant is found throughout the United States.  It was originally brought over from Japan and was planted by the U.S. Soil & Water Conservation Service to prevent soil erosion and provide food and shelter for wildlife.  It is considered an invasive species and cannot be sold or distributed.

Uses:  "Living fence," to control livestock, snow barriers along highways. food source and  wildlife cover.

Distinguishing Features: The leaves resemble rose leaves, stickers, pink or white flowers

Location:  Mattoon, Illinois.

Sources Cited: www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/er/invasive/factsheets/rose.htm

(c) 2002 2003  Cumberland High School  Katie M

Contact Information- lstarwalt@cumberland.k12.il.us

Link to Trees of Illinois Index Page.